Reading · Bridge Books · RSS Amplifier

This page did not load. You can still read it on the original site — the toolbar below keeps your place in the directory.

For the first ten days of June we will be significantly marking down a different book each day that is special to the Bridge Books journey.

Today is Lonwabo and the Gongqongqo by Madoda Gcwadi and illustrated by Subi Bosa.

This is another book that we are incredibly proud to have published. With Lonwabo and the Gongqongqo Cape Town teacher Madoda Gcwadi reimagines a Xhosa legend.

“With the story of Igongqongqo, I wanted to explore the rich mythology and cultural traditions of the Xhosa people. This fearsome creature serves as a cautionary tale that teaches children the importance of good behaviour and respect for nature,” Madoda said.
“In the isiXhosa language, we have not written much about beasts or monsters. We don’t have pictures of such creatures, but the oral tradition has personally warned me and taught me the importance of listening to and valuing the wisdom of elders.”

But what if Igongqongqo was more than a monster? What if he was also a guardian of the forest, keeping the environment clean by eating humans’ trash – until he eats so much that he makes himself sick?

A dramatic reading of Lonwabo and the Gongqongqo was performed at our NextGen Reads book fair last year.

This children’s storybook, beautifully illustrated by Subi Bosa, was written in isiXhosa and is also available in English, Afrikaans, and isiZulu.

Bridge Books published it in 2024 with support from the Johannesburg Department of Community Development, the National Arts Council and the Social Employment Fund.